Packaging, IBCs, tanks, and package marking/labelling
What this domain tests
Packing instructions, UN packaging codes, IBCs, tanks, and the marks and labels that tell the next person what is inside.
Core rules
- Part 4 gives packing instructions (e.g. P001 for drums and boxes); the instruction states which packagings and PG performance are allowed.
- UN packaging code: 1 drum, 3 jerrican, 4 box, 5 bag, 6 composite; material letter (A steel, B aluminium, C natural wood, D plywood, F fibreboard, G fibre, H plastic, L textile, M paper, N other); e.g. 4G = fibreboard box, 1A1 = non-removable head steel drum.
- Packaging must be marked with the UN symbol, code, PG letter, year of manufacture and country. IBCs have their own codes (e.g. 31A for a rigid IBC).
- Tanks must carry the tank code, test pressure, capacity and owner; periodic inspection dates matter.
- Labels: primary and subsidiary class labels, orientation arrows for liquid combination packagings, limited quantity mark, environmentally hazardous mark.
Worked example
200 L of UN 1789 hydrochloric acid, Class 8, PG II. The consignor looks up Table A, finds the packing instruction, and selects a UN-certified 1A1 steel drum with the UN mark, PG II, year and country. The drum gets the Class 8 label; because it is a liquid, the package also needs orientation arrows. A non-UN jerrican, even if chemically resistant, is not legal.
Traps
Choosing packaging by chemical resistance alone. Mixing inner and outer packagings not approved together. Forgetting subsidiary labels. Using a tank after its test date. Placing labels on the bottom or over seams.